What are the two main types of glaciers?

The two main types of glaciers are alpine glaciers and continental glaciers. Alpine glaciers, also known as mountain glaciers, form in mountainous regions and flow down valleys. They are typically smaller than their continental counterparts and are shaped by the topography of the land they occupy. These glaciers can create striking landscapes, including sharp peaks and deep valleys, as they erode the surrounding rock and soil.

Continental glaciers, on the other hand, are massive ice sheets that cover large land areas and can span thousands of square kilometers. The most prominent example of continental glaciers is found in Antarctica and Greenland. These glaciers are much thicker than alpine glaciers and can flow in all directions due to their immense weight, shaping the underlying terrain over vast areas.

The other options include terms that do not accurately represent the primary classifications of glaciers. For instance, valley glaciers and river glaciers are not standard terms for the main types of glaciers, while ice caps are considered a type of continental glacier but are not the primary classification. Understanding the distinction between alpine and continental glaciers is crucial for recognizing how glaciers influence the landscape and climate.